The ongoing dispute over which coalition holds the majority in the National Assembly, which led to chaos during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, is expected to be resolved today, Wednesday.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has affirmed that Parliament cannot be subjected to an injunction and assured legislators that he will make a final ruling on the matter.
The National Assembly turned chaotic on Tuesday when members of the Azimio coalition, including both MPs and Senators, stormed the majority side of the chamber, disrupting proceedings.
Led by Suna East MP Junet Mohammed, the opposition demanded that Parliament adhere to a recent High Court ruling, which recognized Azimio as the majority side.
The controversy stems from last Friday’s court decision that overturned Speaker Wetang’ula’s earlier ruling, which had declared the Kenya Kwanza coalition as the rightful majority in the House.
During the heated session, Junet Mohammed passionately defended Azimio’s claim to the majority position.
“Mr. Speaker, the rightful Majority Leader in the National Assembly is none other than myself, Hon. Junet Mohammed, the elected MP for Suna East. I will diligently serve the country in this role,” Junet declared.
Backing his sentiments, Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo insisted that the House must respect the rule of law.
“The question is simple, Mr. Speaker—does the court ruling confirm this position? Yes, it does. And if we are indeed a country governed by the rule of law, then let those dissatisfied appeal the decision. Until then, the ruling must be implemented, and Junet Mohammed should assume his rightful role as Majority Leader,” Otiende stated firmly.
The commotion inside the House escalated as lawmakers from both Azimio and Kenya Kwanza engaged in heated exchanges, forcing Speaker Wetang’ula to intervene and appeal for calm.
However, his attempts to restore order were unsuccessful, prompting security personnel, including sergeants-at-arms, to step in and reinforce security within the chamber. They also took measures to protect the ceremonial mace from being tampered with.
Azimio members, led by Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, went a step further by demanding that Speaker Wetang’ula recuse himself from the matter, arguing that he could not be neutral given his previous ruling in favor of Kenya Kwanza.
However, Wetang’ula firmly dismissed these claims, maintaining that the court’s ruling did not challenge his authority to preside over the National Assembly.
“The judgment does not question my ability to preside over House matters,” Wetang’ula asserted.
He further emphasized that no external authority, including the courts, could dictate how parliamentary business is conducted.
“Neither the court nor any other body outside this chamber can issue directives affecting our proceedings. Only members of this House can determine such matters through voting, and it is my duty as Speaker to provide rulings accordingly,” he stated.
In a previous session held on October 6 last year, Speaker Wetang’ula had ruled that Kenya Kwanza met the legal threshold to be recognized as the majority side, as it comprised a coalition of parties with the highest number of members in the National Assembly.
All eyes are now on Speaker Wetang’ula as he delivers his decisive ruling today, which will determine whether Azimio will officially take over the majority position or if Kenya Kwanza will retain its status.
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